What is the purpose of cricoid pressure during rapid sequence induction?

• A. To reduce regurgitation risk by occluding the esophagus.
• B. To occlude the airway.
• C. To aid intubation by exposing the cords.
• D. To improve ventilation.

Answer: (A)

Cricoid pressure is used during rapid sequence induction to reduce the risk of aspiration by occluding the esophagus. By pressing the cricoid cartilage backward against the cervical spine, the esophagus is compressed between the vertebral bodies, helping prevent gastric contents from regurgitating into the pharynx as anesthesia is induced and the airway is unprotected. This is the key reason for its use in RSI when a full stomach is a concern. It does not block the airway or help expose the cords for intubation, and it can make ventilation more difficult if applied too aggressively, so the goal is to prevent regurgitation during the critical window until the airway is secured.